Pros and Cons of Buying Commercial Solar Panels in the UK

In the United Kingdom, recent pressures from both the Government and society in general has seen a rapid rise in the use of solar energy for commercial and domestic properties.

In fact, the UK has one of the fastest growing solar industries in Europe, with around 750,000 installations occurring in 2016.

So why are people deciding to install solar panels, especially in the commercial industy?

We take a look at the pros and cons of buying commercial solar panels in the United Kingdom, so that you can decide whether your company should introduce this renewable energy source.

Solar power is the long-term answer to energy, as it produces energy through the heat and light of the sun. With fossil fuels rapidly decreasing, this alternative way is the only long-term option and installing solar panels early will ensure that your company is way ahead of the times.

All of the energy produced from solar panels is clean, meaning it does not have any negative effects on the environment. CO2 emissions from the constant use of fossil fuels is causing major environmental damage, something which solar panels do not. This will shed new positive light on your company, as many will see that you are taking responsibility and caring for the environment.

Installing commercial solar panels will also ensure that your company saves significantly on its energy bills. You will also be able to make money in the United Kingdom through the feed-in-tariffs scheme, which ensures that any energy produced but not used by your solar panels can be sold to energy companies.

Installation and maintenance of solar panels, even in commercial industries is an extremely simple venture. Most solar power systems will work fantastically well for up to 25 years before any maintenance is required.

Despite all of the obvious positives that installing commercial solar panels can bring, there are some notable factors that you need to be aware of.

Firstly, being in the United Kingdom means that the sun seldom emerges from behind the clouds! While solar panels will still work, even if the sun is not visible, it will only be able to source around 15%-25% of the energy that would normally occur if the sun was visible.

Secondly, installing solar panels, especially for commercial use, can be an extremely costly venture. Depending on the size of the area you have set aside for your solar power system, you could be spending anywhere between £40,000 and £200,000. While the long-term financial benefits are clear, finding the money for an initial payment can be a very daunting and off-putting task indeed.